Public Elementary—District 101 serves three elementary: Field Park, Forest Hills and Laidlaw Schools and one junior high, McClure School. These schools are within the Village and serve Village residents along with some residents of Hinsdale. District 106, LaGrange Highlands, is a combined elementary and junior high campus, LaGrange Highlands School, lies immediately adjacent to the community and serves about one quarter (1/4) of the Village residents.

Public High School—District 204, Lyons Township High School District, has two campuses. South High School is located in the Village and serves the freshman and sophomore classes. North High School serves the juniors and seniors and is located in nearby LaGrange.

Two newspapers serve the Western Springs area. Suburban Life (630/368-1100) publishes on Wednesday and Saturday and The Doings (630/887-0600) publishes on Thursdays. The two regional papers are the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. There is also an online newspaper that serves Western Springs called the Patch. It can be found here.

The Newcomers Club is open to all residents interested in becoming acquainted with both their community and fellow villagers. You need not be "new" to Western Springs to join. Newcomers basic purpose is to provide social activities that will help members get-to-know their neighbors, wherever they may live in town. Activities are planned from September to June. The club membership is open to men, women, singles and families. More information on the Newcomers Club is available at www.westernspringsnewcomers.com.

In some cases, the Village may have a copy of your plat of survey. If not, you may need to hire a land surveyor for an updated plat. For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 180.

To help police, fire and other public service officials to quickly locate homes, especially in an emergency, the Village asks owners to prominently display house numbers—either directly above or on the side of the front door. The numbers should be at least three inches in height and easily visible from the street.

In Cook County, the due date for the first installment property taxes is always the first business day in March. The second installment due date may vary. For complete details, visit the web site for the Cook County Treasurer's Office. Cook County Treasurer's Office

Residents owning a dog or cat must register the animal within 10 days of acquiring the pet. The fee is $10, paid annually by May 1st of each year. No penalty fee is assessed for late renewal of pet licenses. To obtain a license, owners must show proof of a current rabies vaccination. The license may be purchased online or print the form and return it with payment to Village Hall, 740 Hillgrove, Western Springs, Il 60558.

Bicycles can be registered with the Village for a one-time fee of $1. Bicycle licenses can be obtained at the Western Springs Police Department or Village Hall.

New residents shall register vehicles within 30 days of moving to Western Springs. Vehicle stickers are also required for trucks and motorcycles. The sticker expires on April 30. Renewal notices are mailed each year in March. If you are moving in from another town with a valid vehicle sticker, it is not necessary to purchase a new sticker until the valid sticker expires. Stickers may be purchased online or you can print the form and return with payment to Village Hall, 740 Hillgrove, Western Springs, IL 60558.

Metered and permit parking is available along the Burlington railway. There is always a waiting list for a commuter parking space permit and you may call (708) 246-1800, Ext. 100,or email, to have your name placed on the list. Meters are available on a first come basis at $2.00 for 12 hours. On weekends and holidays, commuters may park in the metered area for no charge, and in the permit area without a permit. No overnight parking is allowed.

It is necessary for the Village to be aware of the date, time and location of a block party in order to provide for the safety of the attendees, as well as contingency plans, if an emergency arises in which the street on which the party is held would be ordinarily used for access. Current Village policy requires that any block desiring to hold a block party obtain a permit not less than one week in advance of the event. The permit is granted simply by filling out the block party Consent Form and paying the $50 deposit. The form is available at the Village Hall or online here. Print the Consent Form, get it filled out by your neighbors and return it to the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department will process the permit, notifying the Fire and Police Departments of the scheduled event. The $50 deposit is required for the orange cones and will be returned when the cones are picked up by the Public Works Department. On Friday afternoon preceding the weekend event, the Public Works Department will deliver the necessary orange barricade cones to a designated person for use during the block party. The cones will be picked up by the Public Works Department on Monday morning following the event. Any further concerns should be directed to 708-246-1800, Ext. 200.

Dead animals on Village streets, sidewalks or parkways will be picked up by the Public Works Department. If an animal is located on Ogden Avenue, 55th Street or 47th street, residents must call IDOT at 217-782-2937. If an animal is located on Wolf Road, residents must call the Cook County Highway Department at 708-448-8006. For assistance in the collection of a dead animal from a Village street, sidewalk or parkway, please use Report a Concern. The Village does not collect or destroy wild animals.

The Village of Western Springs is within the boundaries of the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District, a separate taxing authority within Cook County that handles mosquito control efforts. Regular spraying diminishes the mosquito population and limits the spread of mosquito-carrying diseases. For more information, please call the district at 708/447-1765. Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District

The Village only picks up branches following a severe storm. Fallen branches should be moved to the curb no later than 48 hours following a storm. If branches have not been picked up residents should follow up with the Public Works Department no later than one week following a storm event.

If branches are moved to the curb as a result of a snow storm, residents should contact the Public Works Department as soon as possible to notify the location of the branches.

The Village’s outdoor swimming pool is operated by a private organization that offers annual memberships for a fee. The pool is not open to the public on a daily basis. For more information, please write to WSSC, P.O. Box 82, Western Springs, IL 60558 or wsscmanager@hotmail.com or visit the club's web siteWestern Springs Service Club

The Newcomers Club is open to all residents interested in becoming acquainted with both their community and fellow villagers. You need not be "new" to Western Springs to join. Newcomers basic purpose is to provide social activities that will help members get-to-know their neighbors, wherever they may live in town. Activities are planned from September to June. The club membership is open to men, women, singles and families. For more information, please contact the club at westernspringsnewcomers.com.

Each year on a Saturday in May, the Village hosts a Spring Cleanup Day, allowing residents to dispose of household items including clothing, draperies, books, furniture, scrap metal, and appliances (household garbage, landscape waste, liquids, tires, batteries, medical waste, and construction and demolition debris are not eligible). No registration is required for this service. All items for disposal must be on the curb by 6 a.m. the morning of collection day. Please check the May calendar for the exact date of the cleanup.

Residents can register at the Village Hall any day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All that is necessary to register is residency of 30 days and two pieces of identification. One piece of identification must show a current Western Springs address and one must have a photo. Cook County Clerk's Office

When snow begins, residents should make every effort to remove parked cars from streets. Clear streets allow Village staff to salt, and later plow when snow accumulates beyond two inches. It is illegal to park on any street for 12 hours after a snowfall of four or more inches.

Western Springs Village Hall's address is 740 Hillgrove Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558 and the telephone number is (708) 246-1800. Village Hall is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00. In addition, the Village Hall is open on the last two Saturdays in March to accommodate residents wishing to purchase vehicle stickers. The Village Hall also observes different operating hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Those hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30-5:00 and Friday 7:30 to Noon.

If a home is experiencing a sewer backup into the basement, the Public Works Department will respond by checking the main sewer line for any blockages or problems. If the main sewer line is free of blockages, then the department will recommend the homeowner contact a licensed plumber to investigage the backup in the property sewer connection. During business hours (M-F/8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), please contact Public Works at (708) 246-1800 x 200. After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at (708) 246-8540.

Dogs and cats are not allowed to run free, bark or howl on residential or public property, and must be kept on a leash no longer than seven feet at all times. Dog owners must carry appropriate equipment to immediately clean up their animal’s waste. The total number of animals permitted in any residence may not exceed three.

State of Illinois curfews are in effect Sunday through Thursday, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from midnight to 6 a.m. These curfew hours are not the same curfew hours for a minor driving a vehicle. Please refer to the link below for details on the hours and restrictions for a minor driving a motor vehicle

No permit is necessary. Residents may hold garage sales up to four times each year. Signs for a garage sale may be erected only on the day of the sale. Signs must not exceed six square feet and 42 inches in height

Parking with left wheel to the curb is not permitted. No parking on the street between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., except with special approval from Law Enforcement Services. Please call (708) 246-8540 for permission to park on the street overnight. No parking when snowfall exceeds four inches

Trucks, including sport utility trucks, having a gross weight of 8,000 lbs or less are allowed to park in residential areas. Trucks that have ladder racks, boxes, writing or other evidence of commercial use are not allowed to park in residential areas.

Real estate signs and pennants are not permitted on parkways or public trees. Temporary political or event signs may be erected no more than 30 days prior to an event or election, and must be removed within three days of the event.

Skateboarding and rollerblading are prohibited on the railroad platform or any other place with signs posted prohibiting such action. The Village also prohibits the use of ramps or jumps on any public sidewalk or street. Skateboards and rollerblades are permitted on streets and sidewalks with some restrictions.

Solicitors must display a photo id permit obtained from the Village, except for certain groups or organizations that are exempt from the permitting requirements because of State or Federal Law or Court Decisions (religious groups, political group and companies selling books, magazines, newspapers or other publications). With a permit, solicitors may operate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m from Monday—Saturday. Soliciting is not permitted on Sundays or holidays Please report any solicitation without a permit, or during non-solicitation hours, to the Police Department at (708) 246-8540.

If you wish to prevent door-to-door solicitors from disturbing you at home, a NO SOLICITING ALLOWED decal is available for display on your door or other easily seen location. The decal can be obtained at the Village Hall.

It is necessary for the Village to be aware of the date, time and location of a block party in order to provide for the safety of the attendees, as well as contingency plans, if an emergency arises in which the street on which the party is held would be ordinarily used for access.

Current Village policy requires that any block desiring to hold a block party obtain a permit not less than one week in advance of the event. The permit is granted simply by filling out the block party Consent Form and paying the $50 deposit. The form is available at the Village Hall or online here. Print the Consent Form, get it filled out by your neighbors and return it to the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department will process the permit, notifying the Fire and Police Departments of the scheduled event. The $50 deposit is required for the orange cones and will be returned when the cones are picked up by the Public Works Department. On Friday afternoon preceding the weekend event, the Public Works Department will deliver the necessary orange barricade cones to a designated person for use during the block party. The cones will be picked up by the Public Works Department on Monday morning following the event. Any further concerns should be directed to 708-246-1800, Ext. 200.

Every spring the Village tests the water flow and pressure for all fire hydrants. Water discoloration may occur during the testing process; however, the discoloration is harmless. Running water from a fixture located in the lowest level of your home, until it is clear, should alleviate discoloration. Avoid doing laundry or using the dishwasher until the water is clear. Hydrant flushing is scheduled by neighborhood association and daily updates are available at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 305. Residents may also receive updates by subscribing to announcements from the Department of Municipal Services at Notify Me.

The Village only picks up branches following a severe storm. Fallen branches should be moved to the curb no later than 48 hours following a storm. If branches have not been picked up residents should follow up with the Public Works Department no later than one week following a storm event.

If branches are moved to the curb as a result of a snow storm, residents should contact the Public Works Department as soon as possible to notify the location of the branches.

Mulch is available year-round to residents outside the Public Works Garage, located 1440 Hillgrove Ave. If supply permits, truckloads of mulch (approximately three yards) are available for delivery in the spring. Residents may request a delivery by calling the Public Works Department at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or send an email to rtiritilli@wsprings.com.

When snow begins, residents should make every effort to remove parked cars from streets. Clear streets allow Village staff to salt, and later plow when snow accumulates beyond two inches. It is illegal to park on any street for 12 hours after a snowfall of four or more inches.

The village removes leaves from residential streets beginning in late October and ending the first week of December. Leaf removal begins as early as 6:00 AM and may continue into the evening. In early October, an informational postcard is mailed to residents explaining the leaf removal program and schedule. Residents may also receive information on the program by subscribing to announcements from the Department of Municipal Services at Notify Me. Only leaves should be raked into the gutter. Other landscaping materials such as plants, grass, branches or pumpkins should not be raked into the street. Residents parking on residential streets should exercise caution during this time as hot automobiles can easily ignite large piles of leaves.

If a home is experiencing a sewer backup into the basement, the Public Works Department will respond by checking the main sewer line for any blockages or problems. If the main sewer line is free of blockages, then the department will recommend the homeowner contact a licensed plumber to investigage the backup in the property sewer connection. During business hours (M-F/8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), please contact Public Works at (708) 246-1800 x 200. After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at (708) 246-8540.

Both the Village of Western Springs and ComEd repair the street lights in the Village. The street lights repaired by the Village include the lights in the downtown business district and the neighborhoods of Springdale, Fairview Estates and Commonwealth. The remainder of the Village is maintained by ComEd.

When a street light maintained by ComEd is burned out, a Request for Repair needs to be sent to ComEd. Anyone can fill out the form online at www.ComED.com. It is not necessary to contact the Village to report a burned-out ComEd street light.

For lights maintained by the Village, please report the burned-out light to Public Works at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or through our online request system.

The tree replacement program allows residents to replace parkway trees and share the cost with the Village. A parkway tree replacement form needs to be completed and submitted in early February to ensure an April planting. Residents are prohibited from planting their own tree in the parkway. Permission is needed for the specific location, spacing and species. Please call (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or email rtiritilli@wsprings.com to be placed on the tree replacement list.

The Department of Public Works is available to repair water main breaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you know of a possible water main break during business hours (M-F/8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), please contact Public Works at (708) 246-1800 x 200. After business hours, call the non-emergency number for the Police Department at (708) 246-8540.

The Village will replace an existing sidewalk square with a vertical displacement trip hazard of 1 1/4" or more at no cost to the resident. Cracked sidewalks that do not meet the trip hazard requirement can be replaced with the resident paying 60% of the Village's contractor's price. If you are interested in replacement of an existing sidewalk square, please contact the Public Works Department at (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200. Replacement is done in the summer and requests made after commencement of work will be placed on the list for replacement the next season

The Village maintains and operates the main sewer and water services throughout the Village. All connections from a private residence or business all the way to and including the connection to the water or sewer main are the responsibility of the resident. Municipal Code

If a tree in the parkway has a green "X", this means the tree will be trimmed by the Village through the tree trimming program. If a tree has a red/orange "X", this means the tree is dead or diseased and will be removed.

Parkway trees greater than 7 inches in diameter are trimmed of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable and weak branches, every five years by a contractor hired by the Village. Smaller trees are regularly trimmed by Village crews of branches that are identified as hazards of 4" or greater in diameter.

Residents may request permission from the Public Works Department to hire a certified arborist or forester to trim a tree in front of their home. Qualifications and contractor information must be submitted to the Public Works Department for review and permission must be granted in writing by the Public Works Department if any private trimming is to be allowed.

To submit a request to have the Village Forester inspect a tree, please use the online form or contact (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200.

Per state statutory requirements ComED is required to perform vegetation management in all areas where its utility lines reside to ensure system electrical reliability. Tree trimming and in some cases the removal of trees by ComED and its contractors is permitted to take place on Village right of way and on private property.

The Village does not oversee ComED's vegetation management practices and ComED has discretion to manage vegetation in and around utility easements near its systems.

ComED is required to notify affected customers and property owners with (i) a statement of the vegetation management activities planned, (ii) the address of a website and a toll free telephone number at which a written disclosure of all dispute resolution opportunities and processes, rights, and remedies provided by the electric public utility may be obtained, (iii) a statement that the customer and the property owner may appeal the planned vegetation management activities through the electric public utility and the Illinois Commerce Commission, (iv) a toll-free telephone number through which communication may be had with a representative of the electric public utility regarding the vegetation management activities, and (v) the telephone number of the Consumer Affairs Officer of the Illinois Commerce Commission. The notice also stated that circuit maps or common addresses of the area to be affected by the vegetation management activities are on file with the local municipal or county office.

Notices for tree trimming and other management practices from ComED will be posted on the Village's website as they become available. Questions pertaining to ComED's tree trimming practices should be directed to ComED at 1-800-334-7661 or at the link below. ComED's Right Tree, Right Place Program

The tree replacement program allows residents to replace parkway trees and share the cost with the Village. A parkway tree replacement form needs to be completed and submitted in early February to ensure an April planting. Residents are prohibited from planting their own tree in the parkway. Permission is needed for the specific location, spacing and species. Please call (708) 246-1800, Ext. 200 or email rtiritilli@wsprings.com to be placed on the tree replacement list.

The Police Department frequently retrieves lost pets. If a pet has a license, as required by the Village, pet and owner are quickly reunited (owners are assessed a $35 fee for lost pets). Please call the Police nonemergency number, (708) 246-8540, regarding lost pets.

With 160 to 200 trains passing through the Village each day, railroad safety is a serious concern in Western Springs. Illinois State Law imposes a mandatory $500 fine, or 50 hours of community service, for drivers and pedestrians failing to obey railroad crossing signals—walking or driving under or around lowered guard gates at railroad crossings. Western Springs, like many Chicago-area communities, has multiple, adjacent railroad tracks. A leading cause of railroad fatalities is pedestrians disregarding the lowered railroad gates once one train has passed, and crossing the tracks into the path of a second train.

Police Department staff will check homes while residents are on an extended trip. Forms requesting information on the resident’s length of absence and emergency contacts are available at the Police Department or online here.

If you feel it is suspicious activity, it probably is. You are the one who is familiar with your neighborhood. Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible, explain the problem, the location, and the description of individuals or vehicles. You do not have to leave your name.

The Village does not have a separate ordinance regarding motorized scooters. State law prohibits them from being operated on a sidewalk or in the street. The only places to legally ride a motorized scooter are on your own property or on other private property with the owner’s permission.

Western Springs is an exceptionally safe community and residents may feel it is not necessary to lock their cars or homes; however, there are times when car burglars will go from car to car and just enter the unlocked cars stealing money and valuables. If the car had been locked, the burglar would have just moved on without taking anything. You should also lock your house. Often times a burglar will just reach inside the house and grab a purse by the back door or a set of car keys.

The Police Department will take fingerprints for job applications, a professional license or for immigration purposes for both residents and non-residents of Western Springs or for people who are being fingerprinted because of a business or profession located in Western Springs. Fingerprinting is done by appointment only and a nominal fee may apply. For fingerprinting appointments or further information, contact the department at 708-246-8540.

Police officers can search individuals and vehicles, without a warrant, for a number of reasons. Different types of searches are governed by constitutional law and must be reasonable according to the circumstances of the encounter. Police officers are trained and updated on the latest search and seizure case law.

When a person receives a traffic ticket or is arrested, they have to post bail or a bond. This is a surety that the person will come to court. For a traffic ticket, a person can post $75 cash bond ($100 cash bond for more serious violations) or a bail bond card. Bond for misdemeanors is $100 and a judge must set the bond for felony charges. If you are found innocent, the bond will be refunded.

The Village of Western Springs is allowed to enact ordinances to cover building codes, minor traffic offenses and various liquor and drug offenses. If a person is arrested for an ordinance violation, they cannot go to jail for that offense. It is considered a "fine only" and it is not a permanent mark on their record.

Court supervision is the finding of the court, which allows a person to plead guilty to a traffic ticket or minor offense and not receive a conviction on their driving record or criminal record. It is a form of probation where the person must report to the judge and stay out of trouble for a specified period of time. When a person successfully completes court supervision, they will have to pay a fine, but they will not have a mark on their criminal record.

There are no substitutions for the college requirement; all applicants must have 60 credit hours. An applicant may receive five additional points on the written score for military service by submitting a DD214 after the written exam. Further information will be provided in writing after the exam.

There are 4 ways to register for a Recreation program. You may register online, mail in the registration form with a check or credit card number to 1500 Walker, Western Springs, IL 60558; fax in the form with a credit card number to (708) 246-1309, or come into the office at 1500 Walker, Western Springs, IL. Phone registration is not accepted. Registration Form

The Recreation Office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Any registrations submitted after hours will be processed on the next business day and a receipt will be sent via email. You may contact our Evening/Weekend Supervisor at 708-514-1923.

First call our office at (708) 246-9070 to check availability. Generally, our gyms and classrooms are available for private rental when not being used by Recreation programs. Once a Rental Request Form and Disclaimer are submitted, along with full payment, your reservation will be entered into our computer. Thereafter, if you cancel your reservation, you will be charged a $10 cancellation fee. For general fee information, please call the Recreation office or see the Rental Request Form.

Yes, the Recreation Department does offer open gym times (when the gyms are not being used by other programs). Youths in elementary school are free; all high school age and older participants (resident and non-resident) pay $5 or a 10-visit punch card is available for $20. Participants must sign in at the front desk and show a valid I.D. Gym schedules are posted at the Recreation Center and at these links Open Gym Hours for North Gym and Open Gym Hours for South Gym. You may also call the Recreation Office, 708-246-9070, for open gym times.

In Western Springs, the Recreation Department and the Park District are two separate organizations. For permit information, park maintenance issues and other related matters, contact the Park District at (708) 246-4225 or visit www.wsparks.org.

Your child will be put on a waitlist if a class is full; you are not charged for the class. If a spot becomes available, you will receive a phone call asking if you are still interested in the class; if yes, then your child will be enrolled in the class and payment must be made at that time.

A $5 service fee will be charged per family member for class cancellations beginning the first day of registration until 4 p.m. the Friday before the start of a session. After that Friday, a prorated percent of the class fee, less a $5 service fee and any direct program material costs, will be refunded thereafter. The $5 service fee will be waived if a physician’s excuse is presented. Programs that only meet 1, 2 or 3 times require two business days’ notification. In order to avoid a proration charge, a cancellation for a weekend class must be made before 4:30 p.m. the Friday before the class meets. Refunds are credited back to the original payment method (credit card or check). Customers can also request a household credit. No refunds can be given for missed classes. In the case of special trips, no refunds can be made after the published trip deadline.

The Recreation Department sends an email receipt for all registrations. If we do not have an email address on file, we will mail your receipt. If you do not receive an email receipt from us, check your email spam folder or call the Recreation office, 708-246-9070, to verify your registration and your correct email address. You may also check your past registrations by signing in to your online account and clicking “My History.”